New York Times wins November Sidney for Exposing Rigged Arbitration System

Jessica Silver-Greenberg, Michael Corkery and Robert Gebeloff of the New York Times win the November Sidney for “Beware the Fine Print,” a sweeping exposé of the private arbitration system.

In the last few years, it has become difficult to rent a car, sign up for cellphone service, or accept a job without signing away your right to your day in court. In the wake of two far-reaching Supreme Court decisions in 2011 and 2013, corporations can force consumers to waive their right to sue as a condition of doing business. Companies can also make consumers renounce their right to join a class action lawsuit. Class actions have historically been a critical means for ordinary people to challenge systematic wrongdoing by corporations, from fradulent billing practices to wage theft and discrimination.

Learn more about the Times’ remarkable piece of journalism in our Backstory interview with Robert Gebeloff.

November 10, 2015

Call for Entries Now Open: 2016 Hillman Prizes

The Sidney Hillman Foundation is now accepting entries for the 2016 Hillman Prizes which honor investigative journalism and commentary in the public interest.

Winners exemplify resourcefulness and courage in reporting, skilled storytelling, social impact and relevance to the ideals of Sidney Hillman.

The received-by deadline for all submissions will be January 30, 2016.